Monday, June 3, 2013

Content Highlights - Houseleek (Sempervivum)

Houseleek
is a flowering plant which occurs in rockeries and rooftops. Did you know that since antiquity, houseleeks
were planted on roofs, because it was believed that they guarded homes against
lightning and fires? Indeed, it could create a fire-resistant layer on the
roof.

Houseleeks
occur in about fifty species, from northern Africa, through Europe, to the
Caucasian mountains. They occupy hilly to mountainous terrain in these areas.
They are succulents - plants adapted to growth in places with little water.
They prefer rocky outcrops and rock steppes. They are very undemanding, both
for nourishment and for water.

Houseleek
juice is rich in nutrients, has disinfectant properties and is an
anti-inflammatory. Similarly to aloe vera, houseleeks are very effective in
treating burns, scaldings, frostbite and sunburn. They reduce pain from insect
bites, alleviate itching, redness and swelling.

Countless natural history treasures are deposited in museums across the world, many hidden away beyond easy access. The OpenUp! project represents a free portal to these resources, offering virtual access to over one million items of the world’s biodiversity heritage. The objects made available through OpenUp! consist of high quality photos, videos and sounds, as well as natural history artworks and specimens, and include many items previously inaccessible to visitors. Information provided through OpenUp! will be checked by scientists and made freely available through the Europeana portal at www.europeana.eu.